What are the Three Basic Types of Trailer Hitches?

The three basic types of trailer hitches are receiver hitches, 5th wheel hitches, and gooseneck hitches. Receiver hitches are the most common and broken up into five different classes based on maximum weight. 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches are heavy-duty hitches that attach into the bed of trucks. The difference is that a 5th wheel hitch has a kingpin, while a gooseneck attaches to a hitch ball. Now we go deeper into the details of these hitches.

A Detailed Look into Types of Trailer Hitches

A trailer hitch is a valuable investment for your vehicle. It’s important to know what the different types of trailers hitch receivers are and how each one can benefit you. The information in this chart gives you a detailed look into the towing capacities, towing vehicles, and cargo in tow. Use this handy guide to select the proper type of hitch for you depending on what your vehicle can handle and what you want to tow. 

Light-Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 1)

Light-duty receiver hitches are designed typically for towing bike racks and cargo carriers. This style of hitch can also be used to tow smaller utility or enclosed trailers, and motorcycles as well. The maximum gross trailer weight should be less than 2,000 lbs. The towing vehicle commonly associated with this specific type of hitch receiver is usually a compact or midsize car.

• 1 1/4″ receiver
• Tongue weight capacity up to 200 lbs.

Regular-Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 2)

A regular-duty receiver hitch can tow up to 3,500 lbs. and has a tongue weight of 350 lbs. Tow vehicles which usually have a Class 2 type of hitch receiver installed include midsize cars, minivans, small pickup trucks, and midsize SUV’s. Some tow items for this style hitch include small fishing boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and cargo trailers up to 12ft in length. Additionally, a regular-duty trailer hitch receiver is bolted onto the frame of the towing vehicle.

• 1 1/4″ receiver
• Tongue weight capacity up to 350 lbs.

Heavy-Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 3)

A heavy-duty receiver hitch is attached to the frame of the vehicle and considered an ‘undercar’ receiver hitch. Heavy-duty trailer hitches are designed to carry or tow up to 7,500 lbs. of weight. They have a removal drawbar which is attached to the frame of the vehicle. Many types of vehicles can be towed with this style hitch, including mid-to-large sized SUVs, vans, full-size cars, and pickup trucks.

• 2″ receiver
• Tongue weight capacity up to 750 lbs.

Super-Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 4)

Full size pickups and SUVs have a higher towing capacity. These trailer hitches have a much larger capacity for towing travel trailers, heavier machinery, and boats larger than 24ft. This receiver hitch has a tow capacity rating of up to 10,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 1,700 lbs. tongue weight.

• 2″ receiver
• Tongue weight capacity up to 1,000 lbs.

Commercial Duty or Xtra Duty Receiver Hitches (Commonly known as Class 5)

Class 5 receivers can break up between commercial and xtra duty. Trucks, SUVs, Dually and Chassis Cab trucks can all use this receiver for heavy jobs. These hitches are used for campers, RVs, and heavy commercial equipment, up to 20,000 gross trailer weight. Customers can find Class 5 available in 2” and 2 1/2” sizes.

• 2″ & 2 1/2” receivers available
• Tongue weight capacity up to 2,700 lbs.

5th Wheel Hitches

Not to be confused with a bumper mount receiver hitch, the 5th wheel trailer hitch is specifically for pickup or flatbed trucks and has up to 30,000 lbs. of towing capacity. The 5th wheel hitch mounts in the bed of a truck and has a plate similar to a semi-tractor that a king pin on the 5th wheel trailer attaches to.

What Hitch Receiver Size Should I Pick for my Vehicle?

To pick the right hitch receiver for you, you have to consider the size of your vehicle, how much weight you need to tow (understanding which hitch class fits best), and how you can maximize your vehicle’s potential.

If you need help refer back to the graphic. For instance, if you have a compact car and need to tow up to 2,000 lbs., a light-duty receiver or class one hitch is for you. As we’ve mentioned before, We can put together a selection of ball mounts, hitch balls, wiring, trailer accessories and other towing components to help you get on the road and towing.

What is the Average Cost of a Trailer Hitch?

The cost of a trailer hitch varies based on the size and accessories you get. On average, hitch installations can cost anywhere between $100-600 based on the price of each individual part and availability.

Driving Tips

Towing involves the interaction of a number of components: the driver, tow vehicle and trailer. Each of these contributes to the towing experience and safety of the combination. The driver is responsible for selecting the right tow vehicle and trailer for the load, hitching the unit, loading, steering, speed, and braking. All components of the tow vehicle and trailer effect towing. Safe and proper driving is a critical piece of trailer safety. Drivers should be focused and limit or eradicate distractions. 

Hitching

There are various devices used to hitch a trailer to a tow vehicle. Understanding hitches and the proper hitch for the trailer and load is important to ensuring a safe and smooth towing experience. After deciding the appropriate hitch system, properly hitching the trailer to the tow vehicle will help to ensure the combination remains attached, and should the coupler fail, correctly attached safety chains should be your next line of defense. 

Loading

A properly loaded trailer is easier to control. The most common reason for losing control of your trailer is improper loading. Weight distribution, both front-to-back and side-to-side is vital as is cargo securement. However, it is important to note that trailers may be built for hauling specific items, such as a cement mixer, and the trailer owner’s manual might advise a specific loading technique for safe towing that does not fall within general rules of thumb. Remember, the first step in loading should be to read your trailer owner’s manual and follow its instructions. 

The Right Tow Vehicle And Trailer Combination

Towing a trailer will impact how any vehicle drives. The larger the towed object in comparison to the tow vehicle, the greater the performance impact will be. Thus, knowing what your tow vehicle is capable of towing is just as important as selecting the right trailer. Vehicle manufacturers provide a “tow rating” which is the maximum weight of the towed trailer when fully loaded. The GVWR of the trailer should never exceed this tow rating, even if the trailer will not be fully loaded.

Trailer Components

Understanding the many components that make up your trailer is important to ensuring you are ready to tow safely. It is important to understand the importance of adequate brakes, properly inflated and rated tires, crossed safety chains and working lights in order to tow safely.

Gooseneck trailers can be much longer, wider, and heavier than most bumper-pull units, which allows them to carry more weight (upward of 30,000 pounds) without compromising stability. They’re typically used for commercial purposes such as hot-shot vehicle towing, agriculture, horse/livestock transporting, etc. They’re the go-to trailer on the diesel dragracing scene, in most instances capable of supporting two full-size pickups on a 40-foot deck.

When compared to its similar-but-different counterpart, a fifth-wheel trailer (hitch is mounted inside the bed), a gooseneck is less expensive and ultimately much less intrusive, affording owners more space in the bed for cargo.

Here are a few pros and cons about gooseneck trailers:

Pros

• Not too invasive
• Bed remains functional
• Easy hook up and operation

Cons

• Installing hitch requires drilling a big hole in the bed
• Can be noisy
• Not as stable as a fifth-wheel trailer

Taken from Motortend article here.

Stealth hitches are different from other hitches. The combination of a stainless steel latch block and powder coat finish provides excellent protection allowing you to enjoy your outdoor adventures and not worry about the function of your hitch. And it’s American Made. Start to finish.